McCown: Bucs ready to deal with any adversity

TAMPA — Optimism reigns this time of year in the NFL. Every team, be it a defending division champion or a cellar dweller, believes it has a chance to do something special.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are no different, but what makes the Bucs different from some teams, quarterback Josh McCown said, is their ability to deal with the adversity that is sure to follow.

“Adversity is coming,'' McCown said as he reported for the start of training camp Thursday. “It just does. And it's how you handle that adversity that really is the measure of your team.

“That's what I like about the guys in our locker room. I feel like we have people that can handle those bumps and really stick together. And that is the key. So we are really optimistic right now.”

McCown listed players such as defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebackers Lavonte David and Mason Foster are the reason he's optimistic about the team's chances of dealing with adversity.

“We have guys on both sides of the ball that are good players and good people and they lead,'' McCown said. “You have to have guys in the locker room that can stay the ship and be a calm voice and I feel like we have a number of those guys.”